Home Restaurant Sa horte de su Poeta — Restaurant in Ulìana/Oliena

A unique experience! An evening in Oleina. We went by chance, without a reservation. They took pity on us and welcomed us to their table. We were incredibly lucky! We ended up in a room with beautiful and traditional furniture and painted walls, with a huge table and 16 chairs. There were only four seats available. We sat down and they explained to us that the food was shared between all of us. It is prepared by the owners and everyone is served the same food. we started with the local bread - pane carasau, focaccia with a printed flower, two types of cheese and olives. We continued with meat delicacies and cheeses. Several dishes followed - a vegetable pie, a dish of wild fennel, chicory and potatoes and another dish - with tomatoes, peppers and eggs. This was followed by freshly prepared gnocchi with tomato sauce, prepared by our host's father-in-law. Then we were offered goat meat prepared according to a local recipe and the typical Sardinian roast pork - porcedu. We were offered the specialty of Sardinia - a mature cheese with worms, eaten spread on their bread and figs. We were served dessert by asking everyone what they wanted - semifreddo with different flavors as well as their dessert Saeda - fried in pizza dough cheese drizzled with honey. Finally, they offered us different types of liqueurs - with myrtle, pomegranate, anise, peach and grappa. The owner told us about the recipes, when they were prepared and the dates of the recipes, what they were made of. He read us poetry. Everything was abundantly poured with the typical and special for the region red wine - nepente. A unique and...

If you are anywhere near Oliena, you must dine with Vincenzo and Tonina. Their food represents the very best of traditional Sardinian cuisine, which is well known because of its association with longevity in the Blue Zones where people live past one hundred years with regularity. In fact, the proprietors have an entire menu based on the writing of Grazia Deledda, in which dishes mentioned in her books are served along with a quote from her writing. The walls are covered with poetry, both by her and by other Sardinian poets. Don't be surprised if your meal includes an emotional poetry reading, which I found to be utterly moving and delightful.

The food, though, is amazing. I will long remember my meal, which included sautéed wild greens of fennel and chicory, local meats and cheeses of exceptional quality, and tender homemade pasta. Each dish was as good as the next, and my group all argued over which we loved the best. The fixed price menu is a bargain. Truly, it stands as one of the best meals of my life.

The hosts, Vincenzo and Tonina, are warm and friendly. They made us feel like family. We had a vegan in our party and my daughter has many food allergies. They accommodated both easily, and in a way that made us relax and remain at ease. They can tell you about every dish, who provided the ingredients for the food and drink, and about the history of the area. Dining and visiting with them was certainly one of the highlights of our entire visit to Sardinia. I can't...

I always manage to turn any vacation into a culinary adventure, and I’m constantly searching for places that impress me both in substance and style. The last place that truly left a mark on me was “Bar La Plata” in Barcelona. But today’s story is about another spot.

I found this gem through reviews, so it’s only fair that I leave one myself. First off, I swore I’d come back here every chance I get. Next time, though, I’ll park farther away and skip the narrow streets—scratched my car, thankfully I’ve got insurance, haha.

From the moment you step in, it feels like you’re entering a story—and it really is one, both visually and emotionally. The origins of this place, the owners’ centennial family legacy, the poetry, the love story behind it all—truly touched me. And that love is poured into the food. Especially the food. I wouldn’t say any single dish was the best I’ve ever had, but together, they made up the best dinner experience I’ve ever had. It might not make much sense, but true food lovers will understand.

I wholeheartedly recommend this place. And I’ll even put it in writing: if anyone comes here and feels disappointed, I’ll personally cover your bill.

Mr. Vincenzo, my...